Mirror Image

Choose a mode

The left side is given. Tap or drag on the cells on the right side to fill the cells that mirror it across the line, then press Check. Tap a filled cell again to clear it.

3D math game · Best for grades 2-4

Mirror Image

Mirror Image shows one half of a butterfly wing on a grid and asks students to fill in the matching cells on the other side of the mirror line. Completing the reflection turns an abstract symmetry rule — 'each point is the same distance from the line on the other side' — into a cell-by-cell decision.

What students practice

Identifying and completing lines of symmetry supports spatial reasoning, shape classification, and art-integrated mathematics. In grades 2-4 it is the gateway concept before students extend to rotational symmetry and coordinate reflections in higher grades.

  1. Look at the filled cells on the left side of the mirror line.
  2. For each filled cell, find its mirror position on the right: same row, same distance from the line.
  3. Tap the matching cell on the right to fill it; tap again to clear a mistake.
  4. Press Check when every mirror cell is filled and no extra cells are shaded.

How to use it at home or in class

If a cell sits 2 squares to the left of the mirror line in row 3, its mirror is 2 squares to the right in the same row 3. Working row by row and counting equal distances from the line removes guesswork and builds the habit of measuring symmetry rather than guessing it.

Students often reflect diagonally rather than horizontally across a vertical line, placing the mirror cell in the wrong row. Counting the row number first, then counting equal distance from the line, corrects this systematically.

Use it for individual practice, paired work, or a short class demonstration before worksheets.

Start with the game above, then continue with written practice to reinforce the skill.

Common questions

Is the mirror line always vertical?
The butterfly wing context uses a vertical mirror line, which is the most common starting point at grades 2-3. Diagonal and horizontal lines may appear at higher difficulty levels.
Which grades is this game for?
It fits grades 2-4, from first recognition of symmetry in shapes through accurate cell-by-cell reflection on a grid.
How is this different from Tangram, which also involves spatial arrangement of shapes?
Mirror Image focuses on the rule of reflection: equal distance from a line on each side. Tangram is about fitting pieces into an outline without any reflection rule — pure spatial fitting.